Dingwall’s iconic Hector Macdonald monument set to reopen?
AN iconic Ross-shire landmark to a controversial local hero could finally reopen to the public and bolster the county town’s pulling power on the North Coast 500.
The 100ft tower erected to Major General Sir Hector Macdonald - known to generations simply as ‘Fighting Mac’ - commands a stunning view that has been denied to visitors during years of foot-dragging and concerns over health and safety.
But now Dingwall’s most senior ranked councillor says he is 90 per cent sure the local authority can access the funding to reopen the Hector Macdonald Monument on Mitchell Hill.
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It comes after long campaigning by ward members – and The Ross-shire Journal – going back years after the doors were shut.
Dingwall Community Council worked hard to reopen it and blueprints were drawn-up for visitors to access the tower on appropriate days.
Generations remember having free access and hopes are high it could be developed as a major visitor attraction, tapping the success of the NC500 and nearby Invergordon’s record-breaking cruise liner trade.
The lack of progress on opening an instantly recognisable Dingwall landmark has been in stark contrast to the millions being poured in to reimagining of Inverness Castle, set to open as a key attraction in the Highland Capital.
Hundreds of people backed a petition to reopen the Ross-shire monument .
But Highland Council, which has responsibility for the monument, has until recently refused to take on liability citing hotly disputed health and safety concerns.
Meanwhile the story of the rise and fall of the crofter’s son from Mulbuie who enlisted as a private and rose to become a Major General has become ever more compelling.
The issues that blighted his life range from the pressures of fame and recognition, mental health and both sexual and class prejudice.
Some believe the reopening of the monument could offer an opportunity to examine his life anew and probe some of the issues that ultimately led to him taking his own life in 1903 in a Paris hotel room at the age of 50.
It happened after he learned he faced a court martial when he arrived back in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) over allegations of homosexuality. Many believe class prejudice also played a role in his dramatic downfall.
A government commission later found that Sir Hector - who was born at Rootfield, Mulbuie in 1853 - had been “cruelly assassinated by vile and slandering tongues” concerning the rumours.
Cllr Graham Mackenzie, who sits on the senior leadership group in the Highland Council administration, and chairs the Dingwall and Seaforth local area committee, believes the day the tower reopens is closer.
“I cannot be 100 per cent but I am 90 per cent confident that we are going to get the funds for the work on the Macdonald tower that needs to be done before it can be opened again.
“An awful lot of work has been done trying to access cash from the economic regeneration fund and that work continues. Like I said I cannot be sure but I am as confident as I can be.”
He added: "If this is successful then it will be great for the town and its residents who will have appropriate access to a monument that for Dingwall is iconic".
Would you like to see it reopened? Get in touch by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
